City responds to concerns over service delivery in Norkem Park and Birchleigh North
City of Ekurhuleni shares their plan of dealing with service delivery.
In the February 26 edition of the Kempton Express, Ward 91 Clr Desmond McKenzie raised concerns about ongoing service delivery failures in Norkem Park and Birchleigh North.
According to McKenzie, residents in these areas continue to face several infrastructure challenges, with little visible improvement despite repeated complaints and engagements with the city.
McKenzie said many roads are riddled with potholes, posing dangers to both motorists and pedestrians.
He added that several streetlights remain non-functional, increasing safety and security risks, while overgrown grass in parks and open spaces has been left unattended, creating environmental and health concerns.
“What is most concerning is the complete breakdown in communication and accountability from service delivery departments.
“Residents diligently log service requests, only for these logs to be closed without any work being carried out,” said McKenzie.
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“This practice has been formally raised in council meetings and monthly service delivery engagements, yet it continues unchecked.
As a result, roads continue to deteriorate, public spaces decline, and residents are left feeling ignored and disrespected.”
On February 27, City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini responded to the concerns, stating that the municipality is planning a strategy to address road maintenance issues.
“The City’s Roads Department is planning a rollout strategy for a blitz targeting road rehabilitation and pothole repairs, which will get underway in the middle of the month.
“This is over and above daily maintenance taking place throughout the region,” said Dlamini.
He added that the municipality monitors and evaluates service delivery performance in affected areas through routine inspections and the pavement and roads management system.
Dlamini explained that residents whose service delivery complaints remain unresolved should follow up with the relevant maintenance section or the chief engineer.
According to Dlamini, infrastructure improvement projects aimed at addressing recurring service delivery challenges are planned, including road rehabilitation and patching.
He also encouraged residents to report issues through the municipality’s communication channels, including the City’s mobile app, telephone, email, SMS, or through ward councillors. The municipal call centre is also available to assist residents.
In the February 27 Kempton Express edition, residents of Norkem Park and Birchleigh called for:
• Immediate and visible action on road repairs, lighting and park maintenance
• An end to the practice of closing service logs without resolving issues
• Clear communication and accountability from service delivery departments
• Measurable improvements aligned with the City’s stated service delivery commitments
“Service delivery must move beyond slogans and programmes and translate into real, on-the-ground change for the people of Norkem Park and Birchleigh,” McKenzie added.
